Easy Balanced Pasta

This is only slightly more complicated than heating up jarred sauce with pasta, and the payoff is worth it. This definitely makes multiple servings/leftovers, and the leftovers heat up fine.

Ingredients

• Dried pasta (amount determined by how many servings I want to make / how much I need carbs)
• Something for protein - I prefer sausage, but will use frozen meatballs in a pinch, and if you like chicken that would work very well
• 1 bag frozen mediterranean veggies (16 oz) - I get the private selection seasoned mediterranean veggie blend at Kroger that has tomatoes, pepper, zucchini, and onion
• 1/4 cup jarred alfredo (optional)
• red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

• start the water for the pasta boiling
• cook / brown the protein
• Add the frozen veggies to the pan with the protein & let them cook through. stir occasionally
• cook the pasta. when it's done just turn the stove off and leave it there.
• once the veggies are cooked, add the alfredo & pepper flakes if you're using them.
• use a slotted spoon to transfer the pasta to the pan with the sauce.
• stir the pasta into the sauce. Add pasta water as needed to help everything come together